Cloud-based storage services such as Dropbox, iCloud and Google Drive are becoming increasingly popular as a way for businesses to have employees store files. These services make the files accessible to multiple employees without the expense and trouble of a dedicated group of computer servers. For small businesses, this is a huge advantage that allows them to compete with larger companies. Few people realize, however, that the files that are uploaded to these services have the potential to be read by anyone.
Several recent court cases have focused on theft of company documents by employees who use these programs to store and later download hundreds of pages of company secrets. Specifically, a recently filed lawsuit accuses a former Lyft COO of using Dropbox to take thousands of e-mails and other documents when he left to work for Uber.
Unfortunately, for most companies, by the time an employee leaves with trade secrets, the damage is already done. That means that most companies need to focus on protecting themselves rather than suing a former employee later on. Make sure that your company is following these rules to protect its sensitive information.